Project news

• Several times between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Oct. 23, contractor crews will briefly stop traffic along US 101 in both directions for delivery of bridge girders to a construction site near Kalaloch at Steamboat Creek. Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes and are encouraged to add additional travel time to reach their destinations.
• Crews are making great progress on correcting all three outdated culverts under US 101 at Steamboat Creek, Harlow Creek and Fish Creek in Jefferson County. Travelers will encounter reduced speed limits and a temporary traffic signal at each site as work continues around-the-clock through project completion. 

Needs & benefits

Why is WSDOT replacing the culverts under US 101 at Steamboat Creek, Harlow Creek and Fisher Creek between Queets and Kalaloch?

All three culverts along this 15-mile stretch of highway in Jefferson County have been identified as barriers to fish and in need of correction. In this project, crews will remove undersized culverts that carry Steamboat Creek, Harlow Creek and Fisher Creek under US 101, and replace them with pre-stressed, concrete girder bridges to improve stream flows for migratory fish.

This work is part of WSDOT’s Fish Passage Barrier Removal Program, which identifies and removes barriers to fish caused by culverts under state highways. WSDOT works in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify culverts that, once replaced, will increase fish habitat.

During construction, travelers will use a one-lane detour at each site that will be controlled by a temporary signal. Travelers should expect minor delays, reduced speed limits and occasional roadway closures. Any roadway closures will be announced in advance.

The End Result

The new culverts are expected to open nearly nine miles of potential fish habitat. This fish passage project will help restore the streambeds to a more natural state and improve fish passage for local migratory fish.

• Steamboat Creek will be replaced with a 208-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.
• Harlow Creek will be replaced with a 133-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.
• Fisher Creek will be replaced with a 70-foot pre-stressed girder bridge.

Timeline

• Jan. 2019: Project advertised for competitive bidding.
• April 25, 2019: Contract awarded to Quigg Bros., Inc.
• July 2019: Construction begins.
• Fall 2020: Fisher Creek opens to two-way traffic.
• Spring 2021: Harlow Creek opens to two-way traffic.
• Fall 2021: Steamboat Creek opens to two-way traffic.
• Fall 2021: Contract closes; most work complete at all three sites.

Funding